The veteran's HNP resulted in severe, recurring attacks with intermittent relief and responsiveness to physical therapy. The VA determined that a 40 percent evaluation is appropriate under the old rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The veteran had severe intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) manifested by recurrent episodes of IVDS symptoms affecting more than one spinal segment, resulting in incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks but less than six weeks during the past 12 months.
- Claimed conditions
- Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), L4-L5 with radiculopathy with degenerative changes thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 29, 2005
- Citation
- 0520520
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0520520.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
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- Denied
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- Denied
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- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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